1.Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Bloodletting and Cupping on the Expression of Coagulation-Complement-Mast Cell Activation Axis-Related Factors in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria:Randomize-controlled Study
Yuzhu DU ; Yuqiang XUE ; Xiang LIU ; Yu SHI ; Hongkun LI ; Wenshan LIU ; Zan TIAN ; Yutong HU ; Yanjun WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):150-156
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria(CSU) and to explore its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsSeventy CSU patients were randomly divided into loratadine group and acupuncture + bloodletting group, with 35 patients in each group. The loratadine group received oral loratadine tablets, 10 mg once daily in the evening. The acupuncture + bloodletting group received acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20), and Shenting (GV 24), once daily,along with bloodletting and cupping at Dazhui (GV 14) and Geshu (BL 17), every other day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 7-day urticaria activity score(UAS7) was assessed before and after the treatment, and levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), plasma tissue factor (TF), activated factor Ⅶ (FⅦa), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), D-dimer (D-D) and complement component 5a (C5a) were detected. ResultsA total of 65 patients were included in the final analysis, 32 in the loratadine group and 33 in the acupuncture + bloodletting group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, ECP levels, or plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, C5a levels between groups (P> 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, and C5a levels compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). However, after treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score and serum ECP, IgE, IL-4, IL-5 levels between groups (P>0.05). The acupuncture + bloodletting group showed lower plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D and C5a levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionAcupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping can effectively improve the skin symptoms of CSU patients and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. The potential mechanism of action may involve the regulation of the coagulation-complement-mast cell activation axis, thereby inhibiting mast cell degranulation.
2.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
3.Pathological changes in the total knee joint during spontaneous knee osteoarthritis in guinea pigs at different months of age
Xiaoshen HU ; Huijing LI ; Junling LYU ; Xianjun XIAO ; Juan LI ; Xiang LI ; Ling LIU ; Rongjiang JIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2218-2224
BACKGROUND:The guinea pig is considered to be the most useful spontaneous model for evaluating primary osteoarthritis in humans because of its similar knee joint structure and close histopathologic features to those of humans. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the pathological process of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis in guinea pigs by analyzing the histopathology of the total knee joint of guinea pigs aged 1 to 18 months. METHODS:Eight healthy female Hartley guinea pigs in each age group of 1,6,10,14,16,and 18 months old were selected.The quadriceps femoris was taken for hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the total knee joint was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue.The histopathology of the cartilage,subchondral bone,synovium,meniscus,and muscles were observed under light microscope.Mankin's score and synovitis score were compared,and the correlation analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:As the guinea pig age increased,the Mankin's score increased(P<0.05),and the pathological score of synovitis also gradually increased(P<0.05),and there was a significant positive correlation between the two(r=0.641,P<0.001).The incidence rate of subchondral bone marrow lesion in 18-month-old guinea pigs was 50%,and the incidence of meniscus injury was 37.5%.In addition,osteophyte and narrowing of the joint space were observed,and only a few guinea pigs had inflammation in the quadriceps femoris.To conclude,guinea pigs develop significant cartilage defects,synovial inflammation,subchondral bone lesions,meniscus injury,osteophyte formation,and joint space narrowing as they age,all of which are similar to the pathological processes of primary knee osteoarthritis in humans,making it an ideal model of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis.
4.Impact of initial screening strategies on compliance with colonoscopy for colorectal carcinoma in residents aged 50 years and above
Fang XIANG ; Zhihao HU ; Yawei WANG ; Yiying ZHANG ; Fang HUANG ; Qian PENG ; Hongjie YU ; Chaowei FU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):140-144
ObjectiveTo compare colonoscopy compliance rates under different screening strategies, to explore ways to enhance colonoscopy compliance among residents with colorectal carcinoma. MethodsResidents aged between 50‒80 years were recruited through extensive community outreach and voluntary participation. A total of 210 630 residents who participated in the colorectal carcinoma screening program in Jiading District, Shanghai, between 2013 and 2019 were selected as the research subjects. All subjects underwent a colorectal carcinoma risk assessment questionnaire survey and two fecal occult blood tests (FOBT). Positive results in the initial screening were defined as a positive questionnaire survey or a positive result in at least one FOBT. Participants with positive initial screening results were advised to undergo colonoscopy screening in a hospital. Colonoscopy results were collected from hospital reports and physician follow-ups. Compliance with colonoscopy was analyzed under different screening strategies to identify possible factors influencing residents’ willingness to undergo the procedure. ResultsA total of 21 403 individuals (10.16%) were identified as positive with the questionnaire survey, 31 595 individuals (15.00%) tested positive with at least one FOBT. Combined questionnaire and FOBT positivity was observed in 3 501 individuals (1.66%). Among the 48 453 individuals with positive initial screening results, 17 230 (35.56%) underwent colonoscopy, and a total of 315 cases of colorectal cancer were detected. The sensitivity, specificity value of FOBT initial screening were 83.81% and 84.66%, respectively. According to the combined risk assessment and FOBT initial screening preliminary screening, the lowest colonoscopy compliance rate (25.63%) was observed among individuals with only a positive questionnaire, and the highest compliance rate (52.55%) was among those with both positive questionnaire survey and two positive FOBT results. Multivariate analysis revealed that FOBT positivity had the greatest impact on colonoscopy compliance. Those with one positive FOBT test result were 2.64 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative FOBT results, while individuals with two positive FOBT results were 3.18 times more likely to do so. After adjusting for FOBT results, individuals with positive questionnaire survey results were 1.43 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative results (95%CI: 1.34‒1.52). Compared to questionnaire-based risk assessment, FOBT results were more influential in determining compliance with colonoscopy. ConclusionThe choice of initial screening method significantly impacts residents’ compliance with colonoscopy. While implementing colorectal carcinoma screening programs, it is necessary to strictly adhere to screening protocols, including risk assessment and FOBT. Additionally, efforts should be made to raise public awareness, encouraging residents to actively participate in risk assessments and FOBT, thereby improving their compliance with colonoscopy.
5.Relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms among secondary vocational health school students: the chain mediating role of positive mental health and social media addiction
Houyi LI ; Chun XU ; Shasha HU ; Bo XIANG ; Kezhi LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):159-165
BackgroundStudents in secondary vocational health school are at the age of puberty and prone to depressive symptoms. Peer victimization and social media addiction are found to be crucial in influencing the development of depression, and positive mental health has been proven to alleviate depressive symptoms, whereas there remains a striking lack of research on the mediating role of positive mental health and social media addiction in the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms among secondary vocational health school students. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms and investigate the mediating role of positive mental health and social media addiction, so as to provide references for the prevention of depression among secondary vocational health school students. MethodsFrom October to December 2020, a cluster sampling framework was utilized to recruit 7 307 students from a secondary vocational health school in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province. Assessments were performed using Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9). Spearman correlation analysis was calculated to determine correlations between scores of scales, Process 4.0 was employed to test the mediation effect, and the bias-corrected Bootstrap procedure was used to test the significance of the mediation effect. ResultsA total of 7 044 (96.40%) valid questionnaires were collected. And 4 391(62.34%)students were found to have depressive symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed that PHQ-9 score was positively correlated with BSMAS score and MPVS score (r=0.404, 0.506, P<0.01). WEMWBS score was negatively correlated with PHQ-9 score, BSMAS score and MPVS score (r=-0.587, -0.259, -0.358, P<0.01). BSMAS score was positively correlated with MPVS score (r=0.328, P<0.01). Positive mental health played a mediating role in the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms, with an indirect effect value of 0.130 (95% CI: 0.119~0.141), accounting for 30.81% of the total effect. Social media addiction also mediated the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms, with an indirect effect value of 0.052 (95% CI: 0.045~0.059), accounting for 12.34% of the total effect. Positive mental health and social media addiction exhibited a chained mediation effect on the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms, with an indirect effect value of 0.012 (95% CI: 0.010~0.014) and accounting for 2.84% of the total effect. ConclusionPeer victimization can affect the presence of depressive symptoms among secondary vocational health school students both directly and indirectly through either separate or chained mediation of positive mental health and social media addiction.
6.Expression and Clinical Significance of PLCβ4 Gene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Analyzed Based on TCGA Database and Experimental Validation
Limei WEN ; Yali GUO ; Qiang HOU ; Dongxuan ZHENG ; Wu DAI ; Xiang GAO ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):502-510
Objective To analyze the PLCβ4 gene mRNA expression and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on TCGA database. Methods Based on the data on 424 clinical samples (including 374 cases of HCC tissues and 50 cases of nontumor liver tissues) in the TCGA database, Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis between PLCβ4 gene and 24 types of immune cells was applied to investigate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression level of TP53 gene, a high-frequency mutation gene in HCC. In addition, paraffin sections of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumor tissues and normal liver tissues from HCC patients were collected. The histopathological observation was carried out via HE staining method, and the expression levels of PLCβ4 and Ki-67 proteins in each clinical sample were verified through the immunohistochemical method. Results The expression level of PLCβ4 gene in HCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.01), and all patients in the PLCβ4 high-expression group had a significantly longer overall survival than those in the low-expression group (P<0.05), which suggested that PLCβ4 substantially affected the prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of PLCβ4 gene was highly correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression level of TP53 gene. As verified by clinical sample experiments, HE staining experiments and immunohistochemical results revealed that PLCβ4 gene expression in HCC tissue samples was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.001), and it was negatively correlated with the degree of differentiation. Conclusion PLCβ4 may serve as an independent prognostic factor in HCC and is expected to be a novel molecular target for HCC treatment.
7.Perioperative anastomotic management strategies for tracheal reconstruction surgery
Chudong WANG ; Biao HU ; Binbin XIANG ; Yunjuan LIANG ; Shuben LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):541-546
In tracheal resection and reconstruction, a technically demanding, complex, and high-risk procedure, management of the anastomotic site significantly impacts postoperative outcomes and long-term quality of life. However, comprehensive studies detailing perioperative anastomotic management strategies in tracheal reconstruction remain scarce. This review summarizes perioperative management strategies for tracheal reconstruction, covering preoperative assessment, surgical techniques, and other key aspects. It also highlights future research directions and challenges, aiming to provide clinicians with a systematic guide to perioperative management in tracheal reconstruction.
8.Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing Serum on CircRNA_0001543/NF-κB Expression in Co-cultured PBMCs and Human FLSs from Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Yajun QI ; Jian LIU ; Qiao ZHOU ; Yuedi HU ; Xiang DING ; Chengzhi CONG ; Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):87-95
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum on the expression of CircRNA_0001543/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in co-cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsVenous blood was collected from patients with AS to isolate PBMCs. FLSs were co-cultured with AS patients' PBMCs, and FLSs were harvested after co-culture for subsequent experiments. The normal control group consisted of normal FLSs, while the model group comprised co-cultured AS PBMCs and FLSs to simulate AS pathology. The Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules group involved adding Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum to the co-cultured cells(6.48 g·kg-1). To investigate the effect of HQC-containing serum on the viability of co-cultured cells, and the experiment was divided into the following groups based on the dilution concentration: blank group, 10% HQC group, 20% HQC group, and 30% HQC group.To study the influence of the optimal concentration of HQC-containing serum on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into three groups: normal group, model group, and optimal concentration HQC-containing serum group.For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 interference plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, si-NC group (with transfection reagent), si-circ_0001543-1 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 1 targeting circ_0001543), si-circ_0001543-2 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 2 targeting circ_0001543), and si-circ_0001543-3 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 3 targeting circ_0001543).For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 overexpression plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, OE-NC group (with transfection reagent), and OE-circ_0001543 group (with transfection reagent and overexpression plasmid targeting circ_0001543).To study the effects of CircRNA_0001543 interference/overexpression on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into the following groups: si-NC group, si-CircRNA_0001543 group, OE-NC group, and OE-CircRNA_0001543 group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-37, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of CircRNA_0001543, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. ResultsAfter 48 hours, 30% Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of co-cultured PBMCs and FLSs, which was determined to be the optimal experimental drug-containing serum concentration. Compared with those in the normal group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly increased (P<0.05), with the most prominent changes in the 30% drug-containing serum group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the si-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly reduced in the si-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the OE-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly increased in the OE-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01), indicating that the si-CircRNA_0001543 and OE-CircRNA_0001543 plasmids were successfully transfected. Based on the optimal drug-containing serum of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules, si-CircRNA_0001543 transfection led to significantly increased expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α and decreased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). In contrast, OE-CircRNA_0001543 transfection significantly decreased the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01) and increased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum can improve immune inflammation in AS by increasing the expression of CircRNA_0001543, regulating the NF-κB pathway, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
9.Analyzing the influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in passenger drivers
Xinyang YU ; Yingfei XIANG ; Yonglin LUO ; Meifang XU ; Xiao YIN ; Min YANG ; Huiqing CHEN ; Shijie HU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):155-159
Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in passenger drivers and its influencing factors. Methods A total of 951 passenger drivers in Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects using the judgmental sampling method. A Musculoskeletal Injury Questionnaire was employed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs in the past year. Results The prevalence of WMSDs in passenger drivers was 41.11%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that married drivers had a higher risk of WMSDs than single drivers (P<0.05). The lower the frequency of physical exercise, the longer the driving time per week, the longer the continuous driving time, the more restricted the driving working space, the poorer the foot comfort during driving, and the more affected the normal meal, the higher the risk of WMSDs (all P<0.05). The risk of WMSDs in drivers with sleep time ≤ 8.0 h/d was higher than that in drivers with sleep time > 8.0 h/d (P<0.01), and the risk of WMSDs in drivers with the same posture for a long time on the shoulder was higher than that in drivers without this poor working posture (P<0.01). Conclusion WMSDs were prevalent among passenger drivers, which was associated with demographic and adverse ergonomic factors. Intervention on lifestyle and adverse ergonomic factors could further reduce the risk of WMSDs of passenger drivers.
10.Emphysematous pyelonephritis: one case report and analysis of 89 cases from published literature
Lei HU ; Jianfu ZHOU ; Zhichao WANG ; Haoqiang CHEN ; Xuehua LIU ; Songtao XIANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(6):497-503
Objective: To explore the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), so as to enhance the clinical awareness of this disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of one EPN patient at The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and a literature review was performed on articles published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases from Jan.1, 2015 to Dec.31, 2024. Results: The patient, a 62-year-old male with a 5 years' history of type 2 diabetes, was admitted due to left flank pain for 4 days, with a temperature of 39.4 ℃.Laboratory tests indicated significantly elevated inflammatory markers, decreased platelet count, and abnormal coagulation function.Preoperative blood and urine cultures showed positivity for Escherichia coli.Computed tomography (CT) revealed complete erosion of the left kidney, with gas in the left ureter and surrounding effusion, as well as multiple free gas in the abdominal cavity, bilateral ureteral stones, right renal lower calyx stones.After a multidisciplinary consultation, he underwent emergency phase Ⅰ left pyeloplasty and perirenal drainage with ureteral stenting.After discharge, the patient received maintenance hemodialysis once every two days in the outpatient clinic.One week after-discharge, the patient was readmitted due to polypnea.Following symptomatic management, vital signs stabilized.Approximately 2 months after the first-stage surgery, ureteroscopic stone extraction was successfully performed.One month after the stone extraction procedure, a follow-up CT showed normalization of the left kidney, renal pelvis and calyces, leading to phase Ⅱ laparoscopic left nephrectomy via the abdominal approach, with postoperative pathology indicating renal necrosis.Among 89 EPN patients reported in 35 articles, the median age was 58(24-92) years old;there were 59(66.3%) females and 30(33.7%) males;fever was the most common clinical symptom (60.7%);73(82.0%) had diabetes, 12 (13.5%) had urinary tract obstruction;55 (61.8%) were infected with Escherichia coli, and 7 (7.9%) were infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae; 13 died due to ineffective treatmen. Conclusion: EPN presents acutely and progresses rapidly, often leading to misdiagnosis due to the lack of specific early symptoms.Abdominal CT is the preferred imaging modality for rapid diagnosis, and proactive interdisciplinary intervention can improve survival rates, reduce the need for nephrectomy, and enhance prognosis.


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